Study the stats before criticising says Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 24: Laurent Koscielny (R) of Arsenal scores his team's second goal past Tim Howard (L) of Everton during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on October 24, 2015 in London, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

TIM HOWARD has urged the media and fans to scrutinise his stats before telling him he ought to be dropped.

The finger has been pointed at the Everton goalkeeper this season for a number of goals conceded from set pieces, with the Blues keeping just three clean sheets in their 15 matches so far.

But Howard, currently away on international duty with the USA and set to start this week’s World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, has again hit back.

“With all due respect, the criticism from fans and media doesn’t mean anything,” he said.

“I think that, for players, it gets blown out of proportion. Strong-willed, good players don’t buy into that nonsense.

“When all is said and done, my numbers and record will speak for themselves, and I don’t mean that in a historic standpoint. I mean that now. Look at the Premier League, look at the stats for this season.

Back in the USA international fold after a year off following the Brazil World Cup, Howard has had to accept being rotated for his country with Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan.

“There were reasons I had to do it,” he explained.

“It was the only way I could possibly get some sort of reprieve, and in that regard it was good for me.”

“It’s life, that’s how you balance career, life and family. It’s not easy. There are no right answers. I made the decision very much eyes wide open.

“I talked to a few people who were very close to me. I spoke to Jurgen (Klinsmann). The decision wasn’t made overnight. I was very well aware of what the ramifications could and might be, and I was very comfortable with that.”